Food & Beverage
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ARTICLES (143)
Launched in 2015 in Brussels, EIT Food was established by the not-for-profit European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and funded by the European Union as an investor and accelerator. Its aim is to support mainly European startups in foodtech areas ranging from traceability to alternative proteins, with sustainability a key deciding factor in the startups it backs from pre-seed to Series-B level. The organization currently has 55 startups in its portfolio, which raised more than €91m in investments in 2020. Its most recent investments include 700,000 Swiss francs (€637,000) in the seed round in January 2021 of Swiss biotech SwissDeCode, a company that applies DNA testing to food traceability. Another investment was the December 2020 €900,000 seed round of Spanish compostable-packaging tech Food Sourcing Specialists.
Launched in 2015 in Brussels, EIT Food was established by the not-for-profit European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) and funded by the European Union as an investor and accelerator. Its aim is to support mainly European startups in foodtech areas ranging from traceability to alternative proteins, with sustainability a key deciding factor in the startups it backs from pre-seed to Series-B level. The organization currently has 55 startups in its portfolio, which raised more than €91m in investments in 2020. Its most recent investments include 700,000 Swiss francs (€637,000) in the seed round in January 2021 of Swiss biotech SwissDeCode, a company that applies DNA testing to food traceability. Another investment was the December 2020 €900,000 seed round of Spanish compostable-packaging tech Food Sourcing Specialists.
The Plantbase Foundation is a non-profit institution run by entrepreneur and impact investor Willem Blom based in The Netherlands. Most of the Plantbase activities are backed by donors. At least 80% of the donations are used to support enterprises that facilitate the shift from animal agriculture to a vegan lifestyle. The foundation has invested in foodtechs involved in the meat, fish and dairy industries; as well as food delivery and apps. Its portfolio includes fast-growing startups like Heura, Meatable, Livekindly and Mission Barns. It also works with investment partners like Kale United, Mile High Vegan Network, Vegan Entrepreneurs Network and GlassWall Syndicate.
The Plantbase Foundation is a non-profit institution run by entrepreneur and impact investor Willem Blom based in The Netherlands. Most of the Plantbase activities are backed by donors. At least 80% of the donations are used to support enterprises that facilitate the shift from animal agriculture to a vegan lifestyle. The foundation has invested in foodtechs involved in the meat, fish and dairy industries; as well as food delivery and apps. Its portfolio includes fast-growing startups like Heura, Meatable, Livekindly and Mission Barns. It also works with investment partners like Kale United, Mile High Vegan Network, Vegan Entrepreneurs Network and GlassWall Syndicate.
KEEN Growth Capital is an impact VC focusing on early-stage investments in companies that generate revenues of $200,000–$2m in the F&B, health or wellness sectors with an addressable market size above $300m. Investments in food segments include clean snacking, healthy eating and science tech-driven health products.Since 2017, the VC has been managing two capital funds. The KGC Fund I has yielded exits and late-stage valuations with returns of six to 75 times. The $40m KGC Fund II is directed at companies with a social and environmental impact in nutritional well-being, disease mitigation and life science technologies.
KEEN Growth Capital is an impact VC focusing on early-stage investments in companies that generate revenues of $200,000–$2m in the F&B, health or wellness sectors with an addressable market size above $300m. Investments in food segments include clean snacking, healthy eating and science tech-driven health products.Since 2017, the VC has been managing two capital funds. The KGC Fund I has yielded exits and late-stage valuations with returns of six to 75 times. The $40m KGC Fund II is directed at companies with a social and environmental impact in nutritional well-being, disease mitigation and life science technologies.
Orkla ASA is an Oslo-based supplier of branded consumer products to major markets in the Nordic and Baltic regions and Central Europe. Selected product categories are also available in India, known as MTR Foods brand. Popular brands include Felix, Toro, Panda and Abba.Originally founded in 1654, Orkla is one of Norway’s oldest business conglomerates and became public-listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ORKLY) in 1929. Orkla Foods accounts for 39% of the group’s operating revenues. Two other subsidiaries, Orkla Care and Orkla Food Ingredients generate about 43% of the group’s operating revenues. The Orkla Confectionery & Snacks division contributes about 15%.
Orkla ASA is an Oslo-based supplier of branded consumer products to major markets in the Nordic and Baltic regions and Central Europe. Selected product categories are also available in India, known as MTR Foods brand. Popular brands include Felix, Toro, Panda and Abba.Originally founded in 1654, Orkla is one of Norway’s oldest business conglomerates and became public-listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ORKLY) in 1929. Orkla Foods accounts for 39% of the group’s operating revenues. Two other subsidiaries, Orkla Care and Orkla Food Ingredients generate about 43% of the group’s operating revenues. The Orkla Confectionery & Snacks division contributes about 15%.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international NGO operating across over 100 countries with projects initially focused on the protection of endangered species, which later expanded into other areas like the preservation of biological diversity, protection of natural resources, and the mitigation of climate change. It is considered the world's largest conservation organization, working with a network of different NGOs, governments, scientists, companies, local communities, investment banks, fishermen and farmers. The WWF was founded in 1961 and 55% of its funding comes from individuals and bequests, 19% from government sources, and 8% from corporations. With more than $1bn in investment capital, WWF has supported more than 12,000 conservation initiatives with over 5m supporters worldwide. The institution has been often criticized for not campaigning objectively because of its strong ties with multinational corporations such as Coca-Cola, Lafarge, and IKEA. In 2019 the institution reported 4% of its total operating revenue coming from corporations.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international NGO operating across over 100 countries with projects initially focused on the protection of endangered species, which later expanded into other areas like the preservation of biological diversity, protection of natural resources, and the mitigation of climate change. It is considered the world's largest conservation organization, working with a network of different NGOs, governments, scientists, companies, local communities, investment banks, fishermen and farmers. The WWF was founded in 1961 and 55% of its funding comes from individuals and bequests, 19% from government sources, and 8% from corporations. With more than $1bn in investment capital, WWF has supported more than 12,000 conservation initiatives with over 5m supporters worldwide. The institution has been often criticized for not campaigning objectively because of its strong ties with multinational corporations such as Coca-Cola, Lafarge, and IKEA. In 2019 the institution reported 4% of its total operating revenue coming from corporations.
Founded in 2015 in Guatemala City, the Invariantes Fund invests in technology startups based in the US and Latin America, across different market segments. It is the only VC based in Guatamala, and bills itself as the country’s first early-stage VC firm. As of June 2021, its portfolio includes 24 startups. Invariantes’ most recent investments include participation in the $21m Series A round of US edtech player Reforge, as well in the $130m Series B round of US-based Axiom Space, which is building the first international commercial space station. Both investments were in February 2021.
Founded in 2015 in Guatemala City, the Invariantes Fund invests in technology startups based in the US and Latin America, across different market segments. It is the only VC based in Guatamala, and bills itself as the country’s first early-stage VC firm. As of June 2021, its portfolio includes 24 startups. Invariantes’ most recent investments include participation in the $21m Series A round of US edtech player Reforge, as well in the $130m Series B round of US-based Axiom Space, which is building the first international commercial space station. Both investments were in February 2021.
Based in Brussels, Astanor Ventures is an impact investor specializing in foodtech, agritech and blue ocean economy with focus on the environment and sustainability. Founded in 2017 by Eric Archambeau and George Coelho, Astanor has invested in more than 20 startups in Europe and the US. Archambeau and Coelho launched Balderton Capital in Europe and were early investors in Spotify, Betfair and LoveFilm.Astanor invests according to the principles for responsible investment (PRI), prioritizing technology-led solutions that connect the value chain, innovate on nutrition and accelerate regenerative agriculture. In November 2020, the firm closed fundraising for its $325m Global Impact Fund focused on food and agriculture technology that comply with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Based in Brussels, Astanor Ventures is an impact investor specializing in foodtech, agritech and blue ocean economy with focus on the environment and sustainability. Founded in 2017 by Eric Archambeau and George Coelho, Astanor has invested in more than 20 startups in Europe and the US. Archambeau and Coelho launched Balderton Capital in Europe and were early investors in Spotify, Betfair and LoveFilm.Astanor invests according to the principles for responsible investment (PRI), prioritizing technology-led solutions that connect the value chain, innovate on nutrition and accelerate regenerative agriculture. In November 2020, the firm closed fundraising for its $325m Global Impact Fund focused on food and agriculture technology that comply with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI)
Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI) is a New York-based growth fund launched by Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). The fund leverages USHG's network of chefs, IT, marketers, and industry experts.Active since the early ’90s, it currently has $220m under management. To date, EHI has made eight investments bringing technology into the hospitality sector through companies operating in the food and beverage space.
Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI) is a New York-based growth fund launched by Danny Meyer and his Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG). The fund leverages USHG's network of chefs, IT, marketers, and industry experts.Active since the early ’90s, it currently has $220m under management. To date, EHI has made eight investments bringing technology into the hospitality sector through companies operating in the food and beverage space.
Ahmir Khalib Thompson, better known as Questlove, is an American DJ, songwriter and filmmaker. He is the drummer and joint frontman of the hip-hop band the Roots and has also made several appearances in movies and television. He has been also a musical director at the 2020 and 2021 Academy Awards ceremony. The plant-based food investor was reportedly behind President Barack Obama’s upcoming birthday celebration in 2021. Questlove has backed plant-based food companies Impossible Foods and NotCo.Also in 2021, Questlove directed a film about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, the Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which won the US Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
Ahmir Khalib Thompson, better known as Questlove, is an American DJ, songwriter and filmmaker. He is the drummer and joint frontman of the hip-hop band the Roots and has also made several appearances in movies and television. He has been also a musical director at the 2020 and 2021 Academy Awards ceremony. The plant-based food investor was reportedly behind President Barack Obama’s upcoming birthday celebration in 2021. Questlove has backed plant-based food companies Impossible Foods and NotCo.Also in 2021, Questlove directed a film about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, the Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which won the US Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
Founded in 2017 in Hong Kong, Happiness Capital invests in seed to growth stage companies in the US, Europe, Israel, and China, with a focus on issues affecting global happiness within the areas of citizen trust, food, health, climate change, and reduced inequalities. It hosts its own annual contest, the Super Happiness Challenge , a global open innovation contest to fund individuals and startups with ideas and new products or services that tapped into unmet needs to achieve happiness, with a possible $1m in total investment on offer. The VC currently has 37 startups in its portfolio, around half of which are in foodtech and agtech. Its most recent investments include leading the $4.7m July 2021 seed funding round of NovoNutrients, the US-based biotech producer of alt-protein from fermentation using CO2 and other emissions, and co-leading the $29m February 2021 Series A round of Israeli 3D printed alt-meat startup Redefine Meat.
Founded in 2017 in Hong Kong, Happiness Capital invests in seed to growth stage companies in the US, Europe, Israel, and China, with a focus on issues affecting global happiness within the areas of citizen trust, food, health, climate change, and reduced inequalities. It hosts its own annual contest, the Super Happiness Challenge , a global open innovation contest to fund individuals and startups with ideas and new products or services that tapped into unmet needs to achieve happiness, with a possible $1m in total investment on offer. The VC currently has 37 startups in its portfolio, around half of which are in foodtech and agtech. Its most recent investments include leading the $4.7m July 2021 seed funding round of NovoNutrients, the US-based biotech producer of alt-protein from fermentation using CO2 and other emissions, and co-leading the $29m February 2021 Series A round of Israeli 3D printed alt-meat startup Redefine Meat.
E²JDJ was founded in New Orleans in 2020 with an agtech and foodtech focus, including in the areas of cellular agriculture and synthetic biology. It has six startups in its portfolio and makes diverse investments. Its most recent disclosed investment was in the $4.7m July 2021 seed funding round of NovoNutrients, the US-based biotech producer of alt-protein from fermentation using CO2 and other emissions.
E²JDJ was founded in New Orleans in 2020 with an agtech and foodtech focus, including in the areas of cellular agriculture and synthetic biology. It has six startups in its portfolio and makes diverse investments. Its most recent disclosed investment was in the $4.7m July 2021 seed funding round of NovoNutrients, the US-based biotech producer of alt-protein from fermentation using CO2 and other emissions.
Marinya Capital is the family office ofJohn B Fairfax from the Australian Fairfax family, who originally established Fairfax Media, a large media company. Marinya largely invests in property and agricultural businesses but has also made at least two investments in tech startups and in an Australian VC. Its most recent disclosed investments were in the $4.7m July 2021 seed funding round of NovoNutrients, the US-based biotech producer of alt-protein using fermentation and CO2 and other emissions, and in the $55m Series B round of Australia’s premier plant-based brand v2food in 2020.
Marinya Capital is the family office ofJohn B Fairfax from the Australian Fairfax family, who originally established Fairfax Media, a large media company. Marinya largely invests in property and agricultural businesses but has also made at least two investments in tech startups and in an Australian VC. Its most recent disclosed investments were in the $4.7m July 2021 seed funding round of NovoNutrients, the US-based biotech producer of alt-protein using fermentation and CO2 and other emissions, and in the $55m Series B round of Australia’s premier plant-based brand v2food in 2020.
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Launched in 2015, the Stanford GSB Impact Fund invests globally in innovators and tech startups whether connected with the university or not and within the area of social impact in seven market segments: education, energy and the environment, fintech, food and agriculture, justice, healthcare, and urban development. The university-owned fund invests from the pre-seed to Series A rounds and makes investments mostly from January to April. It currently has 11 startups in its portfolio.
Launched in 2015, the Stanford GSB Impact Fund invests globally in innovators and tech startups whether connected with the university or not and within the area of social impact in seven market segments: education, energy and the environment, fintech, food and agriculture, justice, healthcare, and urban development. The university-owned fund invests from the pre-seed to Series A rounds and makes investments mostly from January to April. It currently has 11 startups in its portfolio.
Founded in 2012, Purple Orange’s objective is to support the transition away from animals in the food chain, supporting early-stage food and biotech companies across the globe with a focus on alternative proteins and cellular agriculture. It currently has 12 startups from different nations in its portfolio. Its most recently disclosed investments have been in the December 2020 pre-seed round of Chinese cultured meat startup CellX and in the November 2020 $500,000 pre-seed round of Swedish plant-based food vending startup VEAT.
Founded in 2012, Purple Orange’s objective is to support the transition away from animals in the food chain, supporting early-stage food and biotech companies across the globe with a focus on alternative proteins and cellular agriculture. It currently has 12 startups from different nations in its portfolio. Its most recently disclosed investments have been in the December 2020 pre-seed round of Chinese cultured meat startup CellX and in the November 2020 $500,000 pre-seed round of Swedish plant-based food vending startup VEAT.
Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, Joyance invests in the “vectors of happiness” that it classifies as areas of science, including genetics and bioscience, the microbiome, neuroscience, virtual and augmented reality, and foodtech. It also invests in the area of social networking. Its investments are made through its management company, Ataraxia, and many have a European focus. It currently has 115 companies in its portfolio, with recent investments including in the August 2021 $3.6m seed round of Polish bionic limb manufacturer and in the July 2021 $8m Series A round of Israeli sports injury AI platform Zone7.
Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, Joyance invests in the “vectors of happiness” that it classifies as areas of science, including genetics and bioscience, the microbiome, neuroscience, virtual and augmented reality, and foodtech. It also invests in the area of social networking. Its investments are made through its management company, Ataraxia, and many have a European focus. It currently has 115 companies in its portfolio, with recent investments including in the August 2021 $3.6m seed round of Polish bionic limb manufacturer and in the July 2021 $8m Series A round of Israeli sports injury AI platform Zone7.
Yali Bio: Recreating a juicy steak in plant-based alternatives
Founded by the former head of Impossible Foods’ pilot plant, this Bay Area genomics and foodtech startup is one of the first to engineer a better fat for plant-based meat
QOA: Gourmet guilt-free chocolate, without the cocoa
Munich-based QOA transforms industrial food waste into vegan chocolate, enabling consumers to avoid the sustainability and ethical issues of cocoa production
OLIO: Zero food waste app expands with new product categories, going global
Recent $43m Series B funding will let sustainability app more than triple hiring, add homemade products and household goods to product listings
Southeast Asian startups to keep riding digitalization, IPO boom, investors say
O2O business models and growing interest in ESG are also key themes, as regional startups gain $4.4bn of funding in first half of 2021
Indonesian angel investor network ANGIN launches agrifood incubator
Program targets ESG investment and builds on the strong potential of Indonesia’s agriculture sector, which kept growing despite the Covid-19 pandemic
Smart Agrifood 2021: SVG Ventures's Hartnett, Land O'Lakes's Bekele on disruption in agrifood chain
How US farming cooperative Land O'Lakes and leading CPG brands are working with famers and tech firms to overcome agritech challenges, transform the whole value chain
Smart Agrifood Summit 2021: A global innovation ecosystem is needed to catch up with other sectors
Investors from SVG Ventures/THRIVE, Pinduoduo and others agree that players must join forces to boost agrifood tech investment, internationally and across the value chain
Forward Fooding: Ranking the world's agrifood startups on success and sustainability
The collaborative platform has opened applications for its FoodTech500 global ranking of agrifood startups; counts over 7,000 startups and scaleups mapped so far
Stockeld Dreamery: Vegan cheese created together with chefs
Backed by €16.5m in new funding, Stockeld Dreamery sets to expand into Europe and North America, and double its team to 50 a year on
Meatable joins Royal DSM to create growth media specific for cell-based meat tech
The R&D between the biotech startup and fellow Dutch nutrition conglomerate could help scale and drive the commercial viability of lab-grown meat
MIWA Technologies: Reducing food waste and packaging with smart refill vending system
MIWA’s solution lets consumers buy exact refill quantities in personalized containers, eradicating need for single-use plastics throughout the supply chain
Senior Deli: Creating easy-to-swallow, appealing food for dysphagia sufferers
Already supplying to over 200 senior homes and hospitals, the Future Food Asia 2021 co-winner uses proprietary tech to make nutritious, affordable texture-modified foods for people with swallowing difficulties
Dao Foods unfazed by China tech crackdown, says alternative proteins aligned with state goals
Impact investor Dao Foods expects government support for alternative proteins to come, as it announces second batch of startups, diversifying into fermentation and cell-based proteins
AquaCultured Foods: World's first whole-cut vegan seafood made through microbial fermentation
Armed with its fermentation technology and proprietary strain of fungi, AquaCultured is closing an oversubscribed funding round, raising more than $1.5m to launch its non-GMO seafood alternatives, with plans to expand to more food verticals and overseas
Indonesia's Green Rebel Foods to take its Asian-inspired plant-based meat regional
F&B veteran duo behind the Burgreens spinoff plans Series A fundraising by end-2021 for manufacturing and regional expansion
